The University of Tennessee - Martin

At a glance:

The BFA in Fine and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Visual Art offers specialized training in traditional visual arts media for careers and/or advanced study in studio art or other related art fields.

Why should a student choose the Visual Art program at UT Martin?

The Visual Art emphasis provides educational, artistic, and cultural opportunities for those enterprising, dedicated individuals willing to undertake a vital, rigorous, professional arts degree program. Development of the total artist within a safe and nurturing environment is critical to the educational goals and objectives of the program. Young artists are given the chance to experiment, to stretch beyond their perceived limitations, to fail, to succeed, to learn, grow, and discover their potential. Flexibility is a key element of the program and students are encouraged to work in many different traditional media forms.

Are there any special opportunities available?

In our program, you’ll be given ample opportunity for exhibiting works. We believe you can’t succeed unless you participate. These opportunities include the VTA Annual Student Art Exhibition, the Artists of the 21st Century Exhibition, the Soybean Festival Art Exhibition, specialty exhibitions, senior exhibitions, museum trips, and the many activities sponsored through the Visual Arts Society.

What can a student do after graduation – graduate school, possible careers?

Visual artists have skills that most others do not, marketable skills, skills that are very much in demand for variety of different career choices. A partial list of opportunities includes art director, cartoonist, illustrator, art critic, museum curator, art dealer, industrial designer, fashion designer, textile designer, interior designer, art writer, exhibition designer, inker, storyboard artist, advertising, display designer, toy designer, woodworker, paperhanger, art therapist, and teacher.

Many of our graduates have continued their visual art training by going on to specialize in a graduate program or in some other form advanced study, like an apprenticeship or conservatory training.

What kind of student organizations, clubs, or honor societies can a student join?

Opportunities for membership in associated student organizations are an important part of student development. The Visual Arts Society (Art, Art Education, and Graphic Design) and Alpha Psi Omega (National Theatre Honor Society) support the efforts of the department and are important in the professional growth of students.

What kind of facilities and equipment will be available to the student?

There are three main art studios in Gooch Hall for Ceramics and Sculpture, Two-Dimensional Design and Drawing, and Painting and Printmaking. Department facilities in Gooch also include a small Fiber Arts Studio and a large well-equipped lecture hall. The Graphic Design Studio is located in the Fine Arts Building where the department’s art exhibition space is also located.

Does the faculty specialize in certain areas?

Professor David McBeth is the principle instructor of three-dimensional studio and is a renown potter throughout the United States. Mr. McBeth specializes in wood-fired techniques and has traveled extensively in his study of ceramics and pottery.

Assistant professor Diane Shaw is our two-dimension studio specialist and is the department coordinator for foundational studies. Diane is a well-respected painter with an extensive exhibition record. Her works are included in several, public and private collections. Ms. Shaw is an active lecturer/presenter and frequently conducts workshops throughout the region.